Connecticut (VII) Congressman Chris Murphy

Today I conclude my correspondence with Connecticut's Congressional delegation with Congressman Chris Murphy, Democrat, representative of Connecticut's 5th Congressional District:

Dear Congressman Murphy,

I write seeking your support for a Marriage Equality Amendment to the U.S. constitution that would recognize the right of same-sex couples to marry throughout the nation. The Government Accountability Office lists 1,138 discrete benefits and protections that flow to a couple from married status under federal law. Marriage to the consenting partner of one's choice is thus an inalienable right, one promised to all by the 14th Amendment's injunction that every citizen receive "equal protection of the law." Unfortunately, widespread bigotry and discrimination have alienated millions of Americans from the enjoyment of their natural rights. To redress this injustice the federal constitution should be amended to read: "The right to marry shall not be abridged or denied by the United States or any state on account of sex or sexual orientation."

Though only in your second term, your record shows you sympathetic to the rights of LGBT citizens. The fight for a Marriage Equality Amendment would obviously be difficult and fraught with political risk, but the most recent election has demonstrated that we can not know in what direction the nation is ready to move until someone has the courage to lead it there. I have set out to write every member of Congress seeking sponsorship for this change to our basic law. Will you lend this reform your advocacy in the House of Representatives, Congressman? In any case I thank you for your attention on this matter and hope that this message finds you well.

Sincerely,

Andrew Meyer